Warbonnet Blackbird Hammock Review

The Blackbird Hammock (single layer 1.7 od green: 25 oz $160) went with me for a week into the Siskiyou Wilderness of Northwestern California.  We had partly cloudy skies, a frosty morning and a few thunderstorms.  In short; great testing conditions.  Coupled with the JRB No Sniveller under-quilt and my homemade Rayway tarp it worked great.

I was surprised that by simply adding a panel of fabric to the foot box my ability to lay flat was improved and the thing felt downright roomy.  I wore my down booties at night since I was concerned my feet positioned in the extra foot-box space would not be enclosed in the under-quilt’s cocoon of warmth.  My feet were toasty.  On the warmer nights perhaps I could have done without the booties.  update: I now use the Yeti Under Quilt by Warbonnet Outdoors with my Blackbird Hammock.

The gear shelf positioned right about hand level seemed small, but it swallowed everything I shoved it’s way.  It seemed to stretch as needed to accommodate more gear without effecting the rest of the hammock.  I found it handier than the two under pockets on my Clark Ultralight.  By just lifting my head slightly I could immediately see everything rather than fumbling around in the pockets, finding things by feel.  When outside the hammock I could see items in the loft through the bug netting.

I also liked that it only took two knots to hang. And the rope used was easy to tie and untie.  However the ropes could have been a little longer for our big trees here in the northwest.  The trees in this photo were fine but I had to use some additional rope at some campsites to reach around the 3 foot diameter trees.  I realize this is quibbling.  Maybe I should just order a couple more hanging ropes from Brandon to use as extensions.

What I really didn’t like was that I couldn’t get in/out on either side, but only on the non-shelf side.  And my sky view on tarp-less nights was limited to the non-shelf half of the sky.  So I would pick which side I wanted to get in/out on and that would determine which end my head would go and my day and night view.  I’m big on the night sky and waking up to see my surroundings.  With the Clark and many other hammocks I can pick my view direction and get in/out on either side.  The innovative shelf takes it’s toll while improving gear access.

But, the Blackbird will be my go to hammock.  I’m willing to give up the sky view ascetics of the double sided exit/entry of the Clark for the additional comfort and lighter weight (minus about 7 oz) of the Blackbird.   I’ve tried many other hammocks including some homemade jobbies.  The only major offering I’ve not tried is the Hennessey, because I want at least a view of half of the sky. Like I said, I’m big on the night sky.

I’m happy someone has come up with what I consider to be a better AND lighter design.  Good job Brandon!  Simply elegant.

That’s a tarp set up on the sand/gravel bar.  The Blackbird is hidden back in the tree shadows mid picture.  Nice remote off trail campsite.  We saw no one for days.